Very disappointed driving home last night but only because we'd played so well. I haven't seen us dominate an away game like that in years, in possession and chances. Putting it simply...we were robbed. Hill set up with the same formation and line up as Saturday and it worked well. Our midfield completely dominated, Blackburn freqently surrendered possession in the middle of the pitch and found it difficult to deal with Mellis drifting into space. Probably should have been two or three clear by half time with Mellis, Dagnall and Davies all missing good chances. Although Blackburn did see more of the ball in the second half, we were still the better side for long periods...probably up until the substitutions were made. As my Blackburn supporting mate said, the difference was easy to see...finishing. We needed numerous chances to convert whilst they tucked away the only clear cut chances they had. It would be unfair to blame the defence for either goal really. It could be argued that Foster could have been tighter on Rhodes and Cranie closer to the winger for the cross on the second goal but it wouldn't be the true story. A couple of stray passes aside, the defence was solid throughout. If I were to be critical it would have to be with Hill. Blackburn couldn't handle us when we kept possession and built attacks patiently. Davies and Dagnall worked hard and held the ball up when needed. When Etuhu and Harewood came on suddenly there were no channel runs to help out the full backs and we resorted to playing more direct which suited their back four down to the ground. Again, perhaps a little unfair as Harewood had an easy chance to win the game but I don't think the tinkering was really required. I never felt like we were in trouble and think had we been patient we may have carved out more chances late on. Stand out performances for me, Davies who's finally starting to look like a proper target man. If he can offer what he has been off the ball in addition to his goals, we've got a real player. Stones again looks like he's played at this level for years, hope the knock isn't serious. Dawson played slightly wider right than against Blackpool, looked uncomfortable at times but can't fault his effort. Dagnall too, who I've been very critical of put in a shift and we missed him when he went off. Cwyka was decent again but we need to get 90 mins out of him, that's the second game running where he's gone missing in the last twenty mins. Having slept on it there's more to be positive about than not. If they go up, which with that strikeforce they really should...I think we'll be alright. Looked like a home side at the top of the league. Just hope heads don't go down. You Reds!
i havent read all your message above but with the first paragraph i have to say i agree with what you have said. we can become a real competitor in this league for the playoffs (maybe getting ahead of myself), we were a totally different team to when we played brighton and wolves, although i have to say they are 2 of the best teams in the league, blackburn last night i thought was terrible and do not deserve to be at the top of our league. when the full squad is back fit god know what we could be doing.
Robbed and gutted is exactly how I felt coming out of the ground. I was saying to Ponty I can't believe they are top of the league and we haven't picked up a single point away based on what I saw. Gutted but very positive for the future with Hill and Flicker.
I agree with that report we played them off the park. I think you need a little luck in all sports and the Reds seem to be an unlucky team. Little deflections' someone blocks, goalkeeper plays his best match, outside post not inside. The result last night was cruel for the lads and us. I think with this sort of football we will be pushing at the end of the year. We have had a tough start with our fixtures, playing all the promotion candidates, and we have matched them.
